Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace insert surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will lastlegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.